SBLC unveiled a new sign describing the important features of the preserve and recognizing Charlotte Pressprich for her donation. Pressprich Nature Preserve Dedicated
August 26, 2009
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Au Gres, MI -The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy officially dedicated the Pressprich Nature Preserve on Saturday, August 8, honoring Saginaw resident Charlotte Eickholt Pressprich for her land donation and inviting the public to enjoy the recently established preserve trails.
In 2006 Charlotte Eickholt Pressprich donated the 48.2-acre parcel in honor of her late husband Robert Pressprich. The property is of high ecological value because it serves as a ground water recharge area and because more than half of the preserve is classified as wetlands. Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of species and improve water quality by filtering out pollutants.
At the ceremony SBLC unveiled a new sign describing the important features of the preserve and recognizing Charlotte Pressprich for her donation. Mrs. Pressprich and members of her family took the opportunity to pay tribute to Robert Pressprich. "[My father] was constantly looking for ways to serve in his community," stated William O. Pressprich, Robert's eldest son. "He loved the Au Gres area, its natural beauty and the people that live and vacation here. He would have loved to see the land preserved and the beauty of it shared with future generations."
In addition to honoring Charlotte Pressprich the dedication provided an opportunity for the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy staff and board members to express their commitment to protecting the preserve. Mike Stoner, vice president of the SBLC board stated, "The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation of natural areas. Natural areas, such as the Pressprich Nature Preserve, provide numerous ecological benefits and improve quality of life for the people who visit. We promise to protect and preserve this property, forever."
The Conservancy will enlist the help of volunteers and other environmental based organizations in caring for the preserve; some of whom were on hand to explain their role. Volunteer preserve coordinator Cathy Washabuagh will provide regular monitoring, Conservation Officer Nick Atkin will investigate any reported illegal uses, and members of the U.S. coast guard will patrol the nearby shoreline to prevent illegal dumping. Neighbors of the preserve have also provided support to the Conservancy. The new trails were mowed by Au Gres resident Charles Appold and St. Paul Lutheran Church was gracious enough to host the ceremonial event.
At the conclusion of the dedication, attendees participated in a wildflower walk on the newly developed trails. The walk was led by another valuable volunteer, local wildflower expert Pat Bilbrey. The preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk for anyone who wishes to explore the new trails for themselves. For more information about SBLC please visit www.sblc-mi.org or call (989) 891-9986.
The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy helps maintain the quality of life in the Saginaw Bay Watershed through the preservation of important wetlands, waterways and land of all types. The Conservancy is a non-profit charitable organization working in the Saginaw Basin. To date, the Conservancy has permanently preserved more than 4,500 acres in the watershed.
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